Hybrid Tummy Tuck Risks?

Doctor Answers (4)

A good operation for the correct patient

May 8th, 2009

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Brent Moelleken, MD in California came up with the name and techniques for this operation and I would suggest that you see him if it is something you are interested in, and are located on the West Coast. The complications are the same as with any operation, to name only a few: bleeding, infection, scarring, seroma etc.

It's a good operation on the right patient, but you need to see someone familiar with a wide variety of techniques so that the best one can be chosen for your particular problem.

Hybrid tummy tuck

May 7th, 2009

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The hybrid tummy tuck(TM) is a tummy tuck that is performed through a C-section type incision. It removes little skin, but tightens the fascia (deep layer, "muscles") up to the level of the chest bone, in other words the entire fascia. The umbilicus is not touched (unless a hernia is present or loose skin around the umbilicus) and there are no additional endoscopic incisions placed anywhere on the abdomen. If a C-section incision is present, this is usually revised.

The surgery requires bariatric retractors and endoscopic equipment to perform, and a familiarity with them on the part of the surgeon.

This procedure is designed for fit moms who do not have a great deal of extra skin but do have a loose fascia "pregnancy pooch".

The risks for the HTT are the same as for a tummy tuck, although the scope of the surgery and the effect on the body is less, with smaller incisions, less dissection, etc.

Drains and a pain pump are used for the surgery and all patients go to an Aftercare for a night after their surgery for safety.

Few patients are good candidates for the "hybrid" abdominoplasty.

May 8th, 2009

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Hi! The procedure is safe in the hands of a good surgeon. The risks are the same as for a full abdominoplasty, the most common complication being a seroma (collection of fluid under the skin, which needs to be aspirated).

But we are doing fewer than we used to in NYC, because the results can be less dramatic, and more patients need touch ups.

Tummy Tuck Pictures

Hybrid Tummy Tuck

I would agree that the risks of a hybrid, or Modified Abdominoplasty are the same as for a more traditional tummy tuck.

The benefits of the procedure really exist for women who are reasonably fit, and only have a small amount of extra skin to remove, but have a signifiant separation of their muscles as a result of pregnancy.

For well selected women, the procedure provides an amazing improvement, with much less visible scar than a more traditional approach.

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